Research in hCG (Chorionic Gonadotropin) Alternatives

Researchers interested in post-cycle treatment (PCT) and hormone restoration would be curious to learn about ongoing research in potential HCG substitutes. It is normal practice to provide chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in cases of post-cycle therapy or instances of hypogonadal hypogonadism and infertility.

It has been speculated that some research peptides may be useful alternatives to hCG, with possible impacts ranging from:

• Rapid response and the delivery of findings

• Ease of operation

• Lower potential for unfavorable response

In this article, we will explain the most widespread research peptides that may exhibit effects comparable to those of hCG, and we will also discuss how these peptides have been studied in experimental settings. In addition, we will highlight our go-to supplier for research peptides and reference materials, which is of utmost importance to research teams.

What exactly is HCG?

Chorionic gonadotropin [i], often called hCG, is a dimeric glycoprotein hormone. This means that it is made up of two subunits, alpha and beta. Each subunit comprises several amino acids and several different carbohydrate groups.

The chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) alfa subunit comprises 92 amino acids. It is similar to the alpha subunit of luteinizing hormone (LH) along with follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Conversely, the beta subunit of hCG is 145 residues long and is exclusive to hCG.

Consequently, researchers may be familiar with the phrase "hCG," which refers to an antigen typically tested for in early pregnancy [i]. Although it is generated predominantly by the placenta, as it plays a key part in embryonic and fetal development, hCG is also produced in the gonads of males and females who are not pregnant, although in much smaller levels than placental hCG [ii, iii, iv].

Because of its alpha subunit, hCG resembles LH, which promotes the activity of the reproductive organs in both male and female test models. This is true regardless of the gender of the subject.

HCG Properties

As was mentioned before, one of the properties of hCG is its alleged potential to imitate the activity of the LH. The anterior pituitary secretes this hormone and plays a significant part in regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. This hormone may stimulate the pituitary gland to generate both follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn control the activity of the gonads (testes and ovaries).

The hCG is hypothesized to activate testes and ovaries as it is believed to imitate the hormone LH's activity. This is particularly helpful in circumstances such as the following:

Exogenous factors, such as testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) or androgenic-anabolic steroids (AAS), might suppress testicular function and induce possible temporary infertility. Studies have suggested that hCG may speed up the recovery of normal testicular function and sperm production after using steroids, with recovery reported within 4-5 months [v].

Hypogonadism and infertility are both symptoms of pituitary malfunction, which prevents the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH). In addition, it may induce low testosterone levels and infertility, or lack of ovulate and/or menstrual cycles. Studies have speculated that hCG may lead to comparable properties as TRT in male research models with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism while possibly protecting fertility and testicular function [vi].

Induction of ovulation as part of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF). One clinical study purported that hCG may have stimulated ovulation in 91.4% of the female test subjects who had assisted reproductive technology (ART), and the clinical pregnancy rate after the compound was 24.7%. [vii]

Now that we have gone over some of the working theories and research areas of hCG, let's investigate the realm of research peptides to see if there are any other options.

Kisspeptin-10

A naturally occurring hormone known as Kisspeptin-10 has the structure of a peptide and is composed of 10 amino acids. It is one of the active elements of a protein called Kisspeptin, which is generated in the hypothalamus and may potentially regulate the production of GnRH.

Gonadorelin

Gonadorelin is a peptide generated physiologically in the hypothalamus. It is believed to be 100% identical to GnRH in sequence and structure.

Triptorelin

Triptorelin is an analog of GnRH that has enhanced stability and affinity for the GnRH receptors. Researchers need to remember that although initially, the peptide may cause the pituitary gland to generate more LH and FSH, repeated presentation at high levels has been found in certain studies to invoke a reverse effect and may inhibit the HPG axis. Visit biotechpeptides.com for the best quality products and trustworthy services.

References:

[i] Betz D, Fane K. Human Chorionic Gonadotropin. [Updated 2023 Aug 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532950/

[ii] Montagnana, M., Trenti, T., Aloe, R., Cervellin, G., & Lippi, G. (2011). Human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnancy diagnostics. Clinica chimica acta; international journal of clinical chemistry, 412(17-18), 1515–1520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cca.2011.05.025

[iii] Stenman, U. H., Alfthan, H., Ranta, T., Vartiainen, E., Jalkanen, J., & Seppälä, M. (1987). Serum levels of human chorionic gonadotropin in non-pregnant women and men are modulated by gonadotropinreleasing hormone and sex steroids. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 64(4), 730–736. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem-64-4-730

[iv] Mesiano, S. (2019). Endocrinology of human pregnancy and fetal-placental neuroendocrine development. In Yen and Jaffe's reproductive endocrinology (pp. 256-284). Elsevier.

[v] Wenker, E. P., Dupree, J. M., Langille, G. M., Kovac, J., Ramasamy, R., Lamb, D., Mills, J. N., & Lipshultz, L. I. (2015). The Use of HCG-Based Combination Therapy for Recovery of Spermatogenesis after Testosterone Use. The journal of sexual medicine, 12(6), 1334–1337. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12890

[vi] Agarwal S, Tu DD, Austin PF, Scheurer ME, Karaviti LP. Testosterone versus hCG in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism – Comparing Clinical Effects and Evaluating Current Practice. Glob Pediatr Health. 2020 Sep 23;7:2333794X20958980. doi: 10.1177/2333794X20958980. PMID: 35187206; PMCID: PMC8851198.

[vii] Le MT, Nguyen DN, Zolton J, Nguyen VQH, Truong QV, Cao NT, Decherney A, Hill MJ. GnRH Agonist versus hCG Trigger in Ovulation Induction with Intrauterine Insemination: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Endocrinol. 2019 Mar 13;2019:2487067. doi: 10.1155/2019/2487067. PMID: 31001335; PMCID: PMC6436329.